Lovehunter's lurid cover art featuring a naked white female straddling a large snake was created by famed fantasy artist Chris Achilleos. Reportedly the controversial cover proved troublesome for Achilleos who subsequently refused to do album covers for many years
Album Description:
The world of rock music is filled with iconic album covers that have become synonymous with the bands and their music. In 1979, Whitesnake, a British hard rock band, released their second studio album, "Lovehunter", which featured an incredibly controversial cover art. Created by renowned fantasy artist Chris Achilleos, the album cover depicted a naked white female straddling a large snake. This bold and provocative artwork sparked considerable attention and controversy, causing Achilleos to distance himself from album cover designs for many years to come. Chris Achilleos, known for his intricate and imaginative fantasy artwork, was commissioned to create the cover art for Whitesnake's "Lovehunter" album. Achilleos embraced the task, aiming to craft an image that would visually capture the essence of the album's title. He conjured up a striking and erotic scene where a sensuous woman fearlessly interacts with a colossal snake, blending themes of love, danger, and desire.
Upon its release, the cover art for "Lovehunter" stirred up immediate controversy. The image, depicting a nude woman straddling a snake, was considered highly provocative and sexually explicit for its time. The explicitness of the artwork drew widespread attention, both positive and negative. Many music fans found it intriguing and captivating, while others criticized it for being overly explicit and objectifying women. Although the album cover sparked controversy and garnered attention, it had unintended consequences for Chris Achilleos. As a result of the uproar surrounding "Lovehunter", the artist found himself embroiled in controversy and faced backlash from various quarters. This negative response seemingly affected Achilleos, who reportedly became disillusioned with album cover commissions and subsequently distanced himself from the medium for a significant period. Whitesnake's "Lovehunter" remains a significant cultural artifact, not only for its music but also for its controversial cover art. The album cover opened up a discourse on artistic freedom, censorship, and societal norms. It challenged the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in visual art, and in doing so, it pushed the envelope for album cover designs in the rock genre. Over the years, the controversy surrounding the "Lovehunter" album cover has only grown. It has become a notable example of the power of visual imagery to provoke discussions and generate strong reactions. The cover's ability to incite debate and divide opinions speaks to its enduring impact and lasting legacy in the realm of album art. |
Music Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Glam Rock |
Album Production information: The album: "Lovehunter" was produced by: Martin "P.C." Birch for Sunburst Records and YOU! This album was recorded at: Clearwell Castle , Gloucestershire with the Rolling Stones Mobile and mixed at Central Recorders Studio and Sauna, London 1979 Album cover design: Chris Achilleos Chris Achilleos is a renowned painter and illustrator, born on 30 October 1947, in Famagusta, Cyprus. He later moved to the United Kingdom, where he established himself as one of the most prominent and influential artists in the fields of fantasy and science fiction. From an early age, Achilleos displayed a keen interest and natural talent for art. He studied at the Hornsey College of Art in London, where he honed his skills and developed a distinctive artistic style. Inspired by the works of renowned fantasy artists such as Frank Frazetta and Roy G. Krenkel, Achilleos began to create his own imaginative and captivating artworks. In the early stages of his career, Achilleos primarily focused on book covers, producing stunning illustrations for popular science fiction and fantasy novels. His attention to detail, combined with his ability to create intricate and dynamic compositions, quickly made him a sought-after artist in the publishing industry. Some of his notable book cover illustrations include works for authors such as Michael Moorcock, Isaac Asimov, and Robert E. Howard. Achilleos's talent extended beyond book covers, leading him to venture into other areas of art and illustration. His artwork graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Heavy Metal and Playboy, where his captivating and often provocative images garnered widespread attention and acclaim. In addition to his contributions to the world of literature and magazines, Achilleos made a significant impact on the music industry. He created iconic album covers for various renowned bands, including Uriah Heep, Saxon Helloween. His ability to capture the essence of a band's music and translate it into visual form made him a favorite among musicians and fans alike. One of Achilleos's notable contributions to the realm of album cover art is his work for the band Uriah Heep. His collaboration with Uriah Heep resulted in the creation of the mesmerizing cover illustration for their album "Fallen Angel." Released in 1978, the German gatefold 12" LP vinyl version of the album showcased Achilleos's talent for capturing the essence of the band's music through captivating fantasy art. Chris Achilleos's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful artist. His distinctive style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and a sense of dynamic energy, continues to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts to this day. Throughout his career, Achilleos has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the world of art. He has been honored with the British Fantasy Award for Best Artist, as well as receiving the World Fantasy Award for Best Artist and the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist. Chris Achilleos's impact on the world of fantasy and science fiction art cannot be overstated. His captivating and imaginative illustrations have left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing and inspiring generations of artists and fans. With a career spanning several decades, Achilleos's legacy continues to grow, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in the realm of fantasy and science fiction.
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Record Label & Catalognr: UAG 30264 FAME 4130951 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1979 Made in EEC |
Band Members and Musicians on: Whitesnake Lovehunter |
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Track Listing of: "Lovehunter" |
The Song/tracks on "Lovehunter" are
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "Whitesnake Lovehunter" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "Whitesnake Lovehunter" |
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Photo of "Whitesnake Lovehunter" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Whitesnake is a British hard rock band formed in 1978 by the former Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale. The band's music is characterized by bluesy, heavy rock riffs and Coverdale's powerful vocals. Over the years, Whitesnake has undergone numerous lineup changes, with Coverdale being the only constant member. Despite these changes, the band has remained a popular fixture in the hard rock scene, with a loyal fan base and numerous hit songs.
Whitesnake's early years saw the band experimenting with a sound that combined heavy rock with blues and funk influences. The band's debut album, "Trouble," was released in 1978 and showcased Coverdale's powerful vocals and the band's bluesy guitar riffs. The album received critical acclaim, but it was the band's follow-up album, "Lovehunter," that really put them on the map. Released in 1979, the album featured the hit song "Walking in the Shadow of the Blues," which became a fan favorite and remains a staple of the band's live shows.
The 1980s saw Whitesnake's popularity skyrocket, with the release of the albums "Ready an' Willing," "Come an' Get It," and "Saints & Sinners." These albums featured some of the band's most beloved songs, including "Fool for Your Loving," "Here I Go Again," and "Still of the Night." These songs showcased the band's talent for crafting catchy, hard-hitting rock anthems with memorable guitar solos and soaring vocals.
Whitesnake's success in the 1980s was due in part to the band's collaborations with other popular musicians of the era. In 1987, the band released their self-titled album, which featured the hit songs "Is This Love" and "Here I Go Again." The album was a massive commercial success, and its success was in part due to the inclusion of guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, who played on several tracks. This album remains one of Whitesnake's most popular releases and is often cited as a classic of the hard rock genre.
Despite the band's commercial success, Whitesnake has faced numerous challenges over the years. The band's lineup has undergone numerous changes, with Coverdale being the only consistent member. Additionally, the band has faced criticism for their perceived lack of originality and reliance on formulaic hard rock clichés. Despite these challenges, Whitesnake has remained a popular fixture in the hard rock scene, with a loyal fan base and numerous hit songs.
In recent years, Whitesnake has continued to tour and record new music. The band's 2019 album, "Flesh & Blood," received positive reviews and showcased the band's continued ability to craft catchy, hard-hitting rock anthems. The album featured the hit song "Shut Up & Kiss Me," which became a fan favorite and showcased the band's continued relevance in the modern hard rock scene.
Whitesnake's enduring popularity can be attributed to the band's ability to craft memorable, anthemic hard rock songs with powerful vocals and soaring guitar solos. The band's music has been embraced by fans around the world, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless hard rock and heavy metal bands. While the band has faced its share of challenges over the years, their music continues to resonate with fans and serve as a testament to the enduring power of hard rock music.